The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine) and The Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) today formalised their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aimed at reinforcing cooperation on the development of sports medicine and enhancing medical support for elite athletes.

Mr Tony Choi Yuk-kwan, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) (front row, right) and Professor Philip Chiu Wai-yan, Dean of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine) (front row, left) signed the MOU, under the witness of Mr Lau Chun, Raistlin, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism (back row, centre), Hon Vincent ChengWing-shun Vice-Chairman of the HKSI (back row, right) and Professor Anthony T.C. Chan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Vice President of CUHK (back row, left).

Professor Philip Chiu Wai-yan, Dean of CU Medicine and Mr Tony Choi Yuk-kwan, Chief Executive of the HKSI signed the MOU, under the witness of Mr Lau Chun, Raistlin, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Hon Vincent Cheng Wing-shun, Vice-Chairman of the HKSI and Professor Anthony T.C. Chan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President of CUHK.

In his opening remarks, Hon Cheng commended the efforts of the supporting team from the HKSI: “While the HKSI nurtures world-class athletes, it is equally important to continually enhance the professional support behind the scenes. In particular, sports medicine has been our key area of focus in recent years.” He hoped that the collaboration with CU Medicine would help athletes further enhance their competitive performance in a safer environment.

Hon Vincent Cheng acknowledged CU Medicine for enhancing sports medical support for elite athletes.

Professor Chan added: “CU Medicine and its Sports Medicine Team have long been dedicated to supporting the sports community in Hong Kong. Drawing on our expertise in medical research, sports medicine and rehabilitation technologies, we will further reinforce medical and rehabilitation support for the Hong Kong Sports Institute, with a focus on injury risk monitoring and the provision of targeted treatment through advanced rehabilitation technologies for athletes. Looking ahead, we hope to deepen our collaboration in exploring more innovative technologies and supporting athletes with more comprehensive sports medicine research and clinical applications. We believe this collaboration will not only have a profound impact on Hong Kong’s sports landscape but also foster the overall development of sports medicine that will benefit more athletes.”

Professor Anthony Chan said that CU Medicine hopes to deepen collaboration with the HKSI in exploring more innovative technologies and supporting athletes with more comprehensive sports medicine research and clinical applications.

The strategic partnership establishes a framework for collaboration on the development of sports medicine and the support provided to elite athletes, including regular consultations at the HKSI from CU Medicine’s orthopaedics and traumatology specialists; the enhancement of sports medicine services at the HKSI; the development of research and innovation projects in the field of sports medicine and science; the establishment of a collaborative network of sports medicine professionals to support athletes participating in major international competitions; and strengthening professional training and knowledge exchange for relevant personnel.

During the sharing session, gymnastics coach Shek Wai-hung highlighted the crucial role of the HKSI Sports Medicine Centre in conducting regular health assessments and monitoring for athletes. By leveraging scientific data analysis, the team assists coaches in understanding athletes’ physical changes, enabling necessary adjustments during training and competitions. Drawing from his own experience as a former athlete, Shek emphasised the importance of professional support in preventing injuries, which allows athletes to enhance their performance safely and consistently.

Badminton athlete Tse Ying-suet shared her experience of dealing with multiple injuries in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics last year. With dedicated help from the sports medicine team, she managed to recover and compete successfully. She described the importance of having a long-term medical team familiar with athletes’ physical conditions, as this allows for personalised treatment plans and provides reassurance when athletes face major injuries.

Gymnastics coach Shek Wai-hung (left) and badminton athlete Tse Ying-suet (right) exchanged souvenirs with Professor Patrick YungShu-hang, Associate Dean (Mainland Affairs) and Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology at CU Medicine (centre).  The two athletes also shared how they have benefitted from sports medicine support of CU Medicine and the HKSI.

Both Shek and Tse mentioned how they overcame injuries and optimised their athletic performance with the help of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology at CU Medicine. To express their gratitude, they presented an autographed jersey to Professor Patrick Yung Shu-hang, Associate Dean (Mainland Affairs) and Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology at CU Medicine, in appreciation of the team’s longstanding support for athletes.

The guests took group photos to commemorate the commencement of the collaboration between the HKSI and CU Medicine.

The MOU marks a significant milestone in the joint efforts of CU Medicine and the HKSI to facilitate the development of sports medicine. Both parties will continue to work together to deliver more comprehensive support, empowering athletes to scale new heights in the international sporting arena.